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Nehemiah 8:1-18

Introduction
There were three different groups which

returned from Babylonian captivity.

The first, led by Zerubbabel in 537-536 B.C.
Eighty years later the scribe Ezra led
another return of exiles in 457 BC.
The third and final return was led by
Nehemiah in 445 B.C.
Chapters 8-10 are the core issue of the
book though because they deal with the
peoples spiritual condition before God.

1. READ AND RETAIN v. 1-8.

A far more, desperate need than the protective
walls around Jerusalem was the peoples need
for the Word of God in their hearts and minds.
A large wooden platform had been constructed
(8:4)
he brought the scroll of the law of God (8:2)
and opened it in front of all (8:5).

II. RESPOND TO THE WORD, 912.

The entrance of Gods Word not only gives light, it also brings
great joy, but the great preparer for joy is sorrowful
repentance.
Verse 9 states that there was much weeping and mourning.
The people of Nehemiahs day were overwhelmed with joy
because the Lord had again become the center of their lives
Such joy and fellowship with God leads to sharing with others
(v. 12).

III. IMPLEMENT THE WORD, 1318.

Spiritual renewal begins with a knowledge of the Word,
which has its designed effect on our emotions, but it will
have no lasting effect unless it affects our wills.
A study of Scripture always calls for a response to these
questions: What should I do with this knowledge? How
should my life change? We must do something about what
we have learned if it is to have real significance for our
lives.

CONCLUSION
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem he found more than
broken walls, he found broken lives.
The people understood, responded and wanted to hear
more so that they could apply the Word to their lives.

 Where do we stand in this matter of spiritual

appetites and hunger for the Word of God?
Are we experiencing the joy, strength and unity
that God has for us?
Are we submitting ourselves to the teaching of
the Word of God and allowing Scripture to
permeate our thinking, regulate our emotions and
direct our wills?
Only as we put into practice what is taught in the
Bible can spiritual, emotion, and mental wellbeing become part of our experience.